President Barack Obama last month vowed to make the advancement of engineering and science education during the next decade a priority, as he announced the “Educate to Innovate” initiative. Attending the press conference in support were ASME Executive Director Thomas G. Loughlin, and other leaders of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) community.
+ On Nov. 23, 2009, President Obama announced the “Educate to Innovate” campaign to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Among those who participate in the White House event were students from Oakton High School (Vienna, Va.) who demonstrated their FIRST robot, "Cougar Cannon." (Photo courtesy of whitehouse.gov)
“Reaffirming and strengthening America’s role as the world’s engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation is essential to meeting the challenges of this century,” Obama said. “That’s why I am committed to making the improvement of STEM education over the next decade a national priority.”
The president discussed his plans for convening a series of high-powered partnerships involving leading companies, foundations, non-profits, and science and engineering societies dedicated to motivating and inspiring young people across America to excel in STEM.
These partnerships will support the president’s three overarching priorities for STEM education:
• Increase STEM literacy so all students can think critically in science, math, engineering and technology.
• Improve the quality of math and science teaching so American students will no longer be outperformed by those in other countries.
• Expand STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and minorities.
“STEM education programs are critically important to the future of America’s workforce development in engineering, science and technology,” said Loughlin. “ASME is excited to be a part of a coalition of organizations focused on strengthening the learning experiences of K-12 students while collaborating with educators and industry partners to help keep the nation competitive in today’s global market.”
ASME will join the science and engineering community in support of the “Educate to Innovate” campaign by supporting two of the initiative’s signature events, National Lab Day and National STEM week.
The first event, National Lab Day (NLD), is scheduled to take place in early May. NLD is a new grassroots initiative designed to reinvigorate STEM education in the nation’s schools and after-school programs, and help to build local communities of support that will foster ongoing collaborations among volunteers, students, and educators.
A beta site has recently been developed for NLD, www.nationallabday.org. The ASME Center for Public Awareness is now encouraging all interested ASME members to visit this beta site and sign up as potential volunteers. More information about NLD will be available in the coming months.
Additional information about “Educate to Innovate” is available at www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-launches-educate-innovate-campaign-excellence-science-technology-en.
For more information about ASME’s involvement in NLD, or to provide feedback on the NLD Beta site, please contact Marina Stenos, director, Public Awareness, Leadership and Diversity at stenos@asme.org.
— Melissa Carl, ASME Government Relations